Once upon a desert - completed

Chapter Three

      Rasheed raised as Megan approached. "Please enter my humble abode," he addressed spreading his hand in greeting, bowing, "you are a most welcome guest, Miss Megan, and feeling better I hope." His eyes warmed with approval, at her sleeveless black evening gown that showed her long, slender curves and ample bust with a single gold chain around her neck against the high-necked dress, hair falling freely around her angelic features, cascading over her shoulders, with a dusting of makeup added.

        She stopped to glare at him causing Rasheed to frown. "Much better, thank you, however, I won't enter if you keep on using Miss. I told you beforehand to call me Megan or so help me, I will never speak to you again."

        He touched his heart, lips, then his forehead with his fingers, bowing his head slightly. "Forgive my rudeness Megan Ryder, but how would it look, to your Duchess if you return empty-handed."

        "I'm more worried about my empty stomach," she murmured, entering further still wondering why this meeting was so important

          She was taken aback by the setting of the room. She had never seen such beauty and colour of Arabian flavour. Also noticed he wasn't just wearing a traditional white robe, but also a flowing large sleeveless cloak of brown with gold trimmings, his head-dress gone showing off his thick, luscious head of raven black locks, his strong masculine features, striking, with high cheekbones and deep set eyes.

        "Please sit down," he offered, waving a hand over a lower bright-coloured divan of red, gold, and black patterned for her to do so. Only to gasp, since it was much lower than first thought, to chuckle with delight. Rasheed joined her on the other side divided between armrests with hanging tussles of red to rest against that they were nearly touching.

        "I must say this is different and very comfortable." She smiled her enjoyment, relaxing.

        "I am glad you approve Megan Ryder." Her eyes narrowed in warning. "Now what have I said?"

        She sighed. "Can't it just be Megan, no Miss, no Ryder, just Megan?"

        He laughed with joy. "I am sorry Megan, just Megan, I do tease you a little bit." He showed a small distance between his thumb and forefinger. She snatched at to have Rasheed take her hand instead and lifted to his lips to kiss, holding her gaze, sending her heart racing. "Shall I feed my just Megan?"

        "Oh, yes, please," joining in on the fun. "I am at your mercy, Mr Rasheed," he scowled. "See! You don't like it either," she jumped in with glee.

        "Not from your lips," he acknowledged, releasing her hand. "Did you enjoy your ride today, Megan?"

        "I did, very much so, Rasheed," she leaned further back into the divan tucking her legs up at her side. "So what mythical animal did I miss before, in the desert?"

        He dismissed such sighting with his hand. "It seemed I was mistaken Megan, it must have been a flicker of sunlight on the glistening sand." She eyed him suspiciously.

        "Why is it Rasheed, I don't quite believe you."

        Disbelief flashed through his eyes. "I am deeply offended, Miss Megan."

        She leaned back on the armrest closer to the man. "No, you're not, now tell me about roaming across the desert on the mighty steed or is that the beast of the desert, a camel, perhaps?" she asked, resting her chin in her hand, elbow on the armrest.

        He leaned even closer to run a finger down her bare arm, sending a tremor through her. "Maybe another time Megan, for now, we must dine." He pressed a button on the side of the divan to have the doors open. Harem-dressed women entered carrying trays, placed on the low table before them, followed by traditional coffee servers to be handed small cups and filled. Megan sipped from with a 'Shukran' and nodded with approval. The girl stood aside in waiting, though Rasheed lifted his hand, dismissing them to have the server placed on the table as well, soon to be by themselves once more. "You know our customs and language, Megan," he noted with approval.